Natural Constipation Relief for Your Baby or Toddler

As a self proclaimed 'natural witch', I take great pride in that my go-to response for nearly any situation, injury, ailment, etc., is to make something from scratch, and more importantly, to make it all natural and organic.

As a child of this earth, I do not put just anything on or inside my body, and that especially goes for my children's bodies! We try our best to live in, what I like to call, karmic harmony with the Universe, with the moral code to do 'no harm' to any living thing, if it is in our control, and that includes our own beings.

We truly believe that we are what we eat, and that also includes what we use to care for ourselves externally. Such as, creams, soaps, and even laundry detergents. The chemicals, preservatives, GMO's, pesticides... They are all toxins that enter your blood stream, whether ingested or applied topically. And in our home, we take that seriously.

This lifestyle was once just a dream. For so long we yearned to live a more natural and toxin free life, but it was not until we had our youngest child when we decided, anything that goes into his body must be pure and organic. And so followed the rest of our lives.

Now, we make our own bath soaps, laundry detergents, shampoos and cleaning supplies. And, we also make most of our food from scratch, and turned our backyard into our very own organic garden, where all of our produce comes from. It is very rewarding each day, knowing exactly what is going into our foods, body care products, etc.

Today I want to share with you a couple of recipes I use when our toddler is constipated.

Anyone with a baby knows, when they are constipated, we as  parents suffer as well!
Even though our toddler is still breast-fed, he does still suffer from constipation every now and then, and it can be a troubling experience that can last for days sometimes.

They are too little to know what is wrong, and their discomfort is difficult to handle for us, as we want to help them, yet we feel helpless in the moment. One may think, "Why not just give him a laxative?"

Laxatives are very harsh on their little system, and not to mention the horror they face when they cannot seem to stop poo-ing their little hearts out. Laxatives are by far a last resort. And even then, there are very natural and baby-safe ways to give the same effects.

Here are a few tricks of mine that are tried and true~ 

Frozen Grapes:
That's it! Just frozen grapes. They are like little balls of slushies. If you have not tried them, you are missing out on life. Plain and simple. And they are great for little tummies! 


Berry-Sauce: 
This is my play on traditional apple sauce. Simply take about a cup of mixed berries (we use a frozen, organic berry medley from Costco) and heat them over medium-high heat in a small pot or saucepan. Add about 3 tablespoons of minced organic pear to the mix; it helps add sweetness, and pears also helps move things along in their little bellies! 
Bring to just a gentle boil and reduce to simmer, stirring continuously. Don't let it burn! 
Let the juices in the pan thicken a bit, and even encourage more juice by squishing the berries with your spoon or spatula. Toward the end (about 7-8 min), I add about a tablespoon of honey. 
The honey helps the tart-ness of the berries soften a bit. 

My 21 month old LOVES this recipe, and this gets his little system working in no time. 

Carlin enjoying his Berry Sauce

"Help Baby Poop" No-bake Cookies: 
Okay, the title does not sound appetizing, but hear me out! These little balls of fiber are so yummy, your little one will not suspect you are dosing him or her with just the right ingredients to help their tummies. 
Heat 1/2 cup agave nectar or honey (optional... but if it does not taste yummy and a bit sweet, your odds of getting your toddler to eat it are against you!) in a small pan or pot. Add 1/3 cup peanut butter and 1/4 cup Non-GMO almond milk. Stir and mash all ingredients together and remove from heat once all is softened and well mixed. Add in 1 tsp cinnamon and 1/2 tsp organic vanilla extract and stir well. 
Add 1/2 cup organic golden flax see meal, 1/2 cup Scottish (or, crushed) oats, 1 cup whole, organic oats, 1/4 raisins, and 1/4 cup thin sliced almonds (and then crushed a bit more for little mouths with few teeth to chew; we buy ours in bulk, already sliced).
Mix until well blended, and then spoon out balls, about an inch tall, onto a plate or cookie sheet. 
Leave to sit for 20-30 minutes before you serve. 
A yummy treat for the whole family! In fact, I just made some last night and 3 quarters of them were eaten up in less than 3 minutes! 


Oatmeal: 
This is a simple way to get the same amount of fiber-goodness into your baby's body as with the no-bake cookies I make. 
Mix 3 tablespoons organic golden flax seed meal, 5 tablespoons organic whole oats, 3 tablespoons crushed/Scottish oats, and a multi-grain hot cereal that you can find in the cereal isle at the grocery store. 
We buy ours in bulk at our local grocer (WinCo), and the cereal we buy is a . Add water and-grain mix. Heat in microwave (or on stove top if desired) for 2:00 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon honey, and serve. 
Our toddler is more likely to eat them if they are formed into little balls (much like the no-bake cookies), so I form them into bite-sized balls and place them on a plate in the freezer for about a minute and a half, just to give them a form that holds, but does not actually make  them cold. 
*** I also sprinkle a little probiotics on the tops of them to sneak in just a little more nutritional-aid for his digestive system. :)

Water: 
This is not a recipe, but rather an essential part of the process to helping the digestive system. Toddlers who breastfeed still want something to drink from the refrigerator every now and then. Be sure to hide any juices or sodas (we no longer keep any in the house), and any dairy milk, and only serve water, or almond milk if they decline water. Dairy and juices will only make constipation worse. Juices have added sugars that are not good for the body or belly.


Fruit: 
Instead of juice, serve fruit! A chopped fruit salad is easy for them to eat and gets all the needed nutrition and fibers baby needs to activate their digestive system. The sugars in fruit are natural and much easier for them to digest. 

These are some remedies that are natural and safe, and have proven effective time and time again for us.

HOWEVER.... Sometimes they need just a little more help, in addition to a healthy, fibrous diet.

So I have come up with.....

Coconut Oil Suppositories: 
Coconut oil will not only be soothing to baby's bum as a natural anti-itch, anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial agent (just take some softened coconut oil and gently dab on affected area), but is gentle, safe and effective when used as a suppository.
Coconut oil is solid at room temperature, so it makes it easy to mold and work with.

Take a long piece of tin foil (about 2 inches wide, at least 6 inches long) and form a 'V', being sure not to crease the bottom of the 'V' and leaving it sort of rounded.
Spoon some coconut oil into the concave you have made, and gently place in freezer for 5-10 minutes. Remove from freezer and break off a small piece, about an inch long.
Round the edges simply by rubbing them between your fingers. Your body heat will soften the ends as you rub them, and making the ends rounded make for a easier insertion.
Also, smooth out any hard angles, until the entire thing is a rounded, oval shape.
Place back in freezer for a minute or so to regain its strength (we don't want it too soft or it will not go in!).
Remove when you are ready to change baby's diaper. Do not wait too long or the coconut oil will soften too much.
Clean area (never rub; just dab or splash with water and dab dry).
Apply any non-petroleum ointment you have (again, coconut oil works great) to the little affected bum before inserting suppository.
Hold ankles, roll baby to right side, trying to keep legs together, and gently push suppository in. Immediately put  legs down and put diaper on.
It is OK if the suppository does not stay. Baby will most likely be very resistant to this process and fighting to keep it in will only distress you both. Most of the time, the simple act of stimulation is enough to get things going.
ps. This works great for adults as well!

I know this was quite the extensive post, but I have taken the time to type all of this out with the hopes of helping a desperate Mama out there somewhere!!!

So many times I have spent hours looking, reading, researching ways to help my baby, and usually ended up coming up with something myself as nothing was "natural" enough, or viable for our particular family, so it was my intention of making this a well informed article, all in one place, for that Mama who needs a bunch of answers fast!

Please let me know if you have benefited from any of my remedies!! It would bring me great joy to know these tried and true ways have brought peace and comfort to your little ones (and yourself). :)

Peace and Endless Love & Light~

~MoonsWay )O(

The Present is Our Present - A Witch's Poem to her Soul Mate

Take me to your wild fire,

Clothe me in your warm desire,

Feel my touch

My throbbing heart,

Never shall our spirits part.

Through lifetimes and ages,

Our love's sweet divine,

We'll continue our journey,

Through the vortex's of time.

Our hopes and dreams,

We live them now,

Our Present beings,

My love, I vow.

Our body and souls,

Entwined in our Union,

Our hearts and thoughts,

Stay drunk with sweet passion.

It does not take much,

My passion for you..

It grows with each encounter,

Each day we live through.

This time, this day, this very hour,

We must pay homage to our love,

Recognize its power.

For with this power, Our love creates,

We can break walls,

Move mountains,

Break through obstacles or gates.

So my promise to the Goddesses & Gods

From the source of all light & life,

Is to thank them each day for our love,

And to appreciate this very moment in Time.

I vow to be Present.

I love you.

With Endless Love & Light,

~MoonsWay )O(

The Water Vow - A Water Spell to Join Hands in Marriage or to Strengthen Vows

Water has long been known as the 'element of love', and has been used over the ages as a ritual union between lovers, and also as an affirmation of earlier vows, used as a ritual of love, a method of strengthening a bond.

photo credit
http://amayodruid.blogspot.com

This age-old rite, known as the Water Vow, is simple and effective.

Shall we begin?

You will need:
A narrow stream
Your partner
Prepared vows {optional}

**As I have mentioned before in my water spell to increase psychic awareness... I try to practice all of my magic barefoot, if not sky-clad, as I feel it increases my atonement with the elements. But if weather does not allow, or if you are just not comfortable doing so, no worries.**

The persons involved should start by attuning themselves with the element of water, by any methods that work for those participating.

You can dip your toes in the running stream, collect rocks from the stream and line them along its path, or simply sit comfortably beside the stream and meditate. Close your eyes... hear the running water, and feel the peaceful energy of the setting wash over your being.

When you are ready...... 

Stand on one side of the stream, and your loved one stands on the other side. Join your hands (one or both) over the water, and say this together (or something similar you both have come up with):

Flowing water, Do witness this act. Our hands, they are bound, We make this Pact.

Come together, touching bodies, either in the center of the stream, or to one side of the stream, never breaking the clasp of your hands.

Look into each other's eyes....

(if you have prepared vows, now is the time to say them to one another)

Now say:

And so it is done. So mote it be.

And continue on the celebration however you see fit. If both are comfortable with the idea, and if the area allows for such an intimate encounter, make love by the stream.. even if it means just carressing, admiring and appreciating each other fully. 

Body. Mind. Soul.

~*~*~*~ Blessings & Best of fortune to you both~*~*~~*

~MoonsWay )O(

A Water Spell to Increase Psychic Awareness

Magic with the elements is instinctual in my practice. At any instant, I can stop what I am doing and have all that I may need readily available. With focus, visualization, and with practice at being able to find your "core", your built-in, primal powers, anything can be manifested and attained.

You just must believe it to be so.

Today, I share with you a simple rite to increase psychic awareness that involves using the element of water.

You will need:
A nearby stream
An offering (a coin of your choice, bread, wine, etc. Follow your heart on this.)
Yourself, barefoot. (I try to practice all of my magic barefoot, if not sky-clad. But if weather does not allow, or if you are just not comfortable doing so, no worries.)

Go to a slow-moving stream. Sit for a moment next to the stream.... Feel its current, collect some rocks and make a simple mosaic with them if you would like. The goal here is to feel the connection with your natural surroundings.

When you are ready, bury your offering of choice at the base of a nearby tree. If you brought wine, pour a little on the ground and then take a sip yourself.

Choose a branch and ask the tree for a sacrifice. (Use your own words.. let your instincts guide you. It can be simple, or elaborate. It can rhyme or simple be a one-line question. You choose. )

 ** It is important to note that, anytime we take something from a living plant, we explain our intentions and/or ask the tree first, and then say our thanks for the sacrifice.**

Gently pluck 3 leaves, then say your thanks to the tree.

Hold the leaves flat between your palms.

Now, visualize yourself being psychic.. however that vision works for you in your mind.
{This works best for me with my eyes closed.}
See you living the life of a psychic.. People coming to you, you predicting events, your thoughts becoming reality. Imagine what life would truly be like as a psychic, and see yourself living it.
Know it to be true.

Visualize a door at the top of your head opening up. Ask the gods, goddesses, and the spirit guides to send you their white light of divination, of sixth sight, of the third eye. Ask that your psychic abilities be activated, as you are now ready, open and willing to responsibly use them.

Visualize the white light streaming down from the heavens, and into your door.

When you are ready, push your newly awakened power into the leaves. Imagine the light, lighting up the leaves in your palm... Lining their edges, their veins, and filling them in until they are completely consumed in your light.

Set one of the leaves afloat on the water and say a prayer as it sets off....

(use your own words or use these)

Leaf afloat, Leaf so green, Help me to see, All that is unseen. 

Launch a second leaf, then repeat your prayer.

Send the third leaf off with the same prayer.

The combination of the leaf infused with your psychic-power, and they psychic-inducing power of the water, work in harmony to bring your needs into manifestation.

Stand and watch the leaves until they are no longer in sight.

Say allowed or to yourself...

And so it is done. So mote it be. 

~*~*~*~*~*~ Blessings ~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~MoonsWay )O(

Solitary Moon Rite - by Ellen Reed

*I do not take credit for the following. Sharing out of love for this particular rite.*

Solitary Moon Rite
Ellen Reed, Coven of Sothistar

This rite may be used for either New or Full Moon. The difference is in your meditation and mental attitude in preparation. Remember that the New Moon is a time of outward work and thought, building to the peak which is the Full Moon. At the Full Moon, you should be preparing to lessen the outward flow of energy, bit by bit, until the period before New Moon, during which you are passive, building a pool of energy within you, in preparation for the New Moon.

The altar should be placed in the center of the ritual area. On it should be placed a rose or stick of incense on the eastern side, a red votive candle to the South, a cup of water on the West, and a bowl of salt or living plant on the North.

Around your ritual area, you should place an unlighted candle at the cardinal point of each direction.


To begin your rite, enter your darkened temple, carrying one burning candle, white or lavender, with you. Place it on the center of your altar, sit, and meditate on the meaning of the rite. When you feel the time is right, stand, and go to the eastern point, carrying with you the burning taper. Light the votive at the eastern point and go to the southern, picturing, as you do, an arc of pure strong light curving from one candle to the next. Continue to the West, and then to the North, lighting the candles as you go, and then walk to your eastern candle again, having formed a circle of protective light surrounding the area in which you worship.

Return to the center of the circle, replace the candle on the altar, and say:

My Lady of the Moon, who is called Diana, Artemis, Levanah, Isis and by any other names,
I come to you to bring you my love and my devotion.
May you grant me the joy of your presence.

Mentally divide the room into four quadrants by visualizing a line of silvery moonlight from the southeast to the northwest, and from the northeast to the southwest. Go the East, taking with you the rose or incense. Say:

Sweet Goddess, the gentle breeze is the touch of your loving hand, the wind of storm a reminder of your strength.

The sound of the trees in the wind is your voice,
and the fragrance of flowers borne on the wind is your gift of beauty.

Place the rose next to the votive candle, then stand there as you picture the quadrant filling with moonlight. See the moonlight streaming quietly and gently into the room, filling the quadrant from center point to the edge of your circle.

When this is complete, take the red candle to the South. Place the gift and see the quadrant fill with moonlight. Say:

Most loved Lady, the light of the candle is a guide along our path leading to you; its warmth the reassurance of your presence and your love.

The light of the Sun is the knowledge you impart to us,
driving out ignorance and those things which can survive only in darkness.

At the West:

Lovely One, the quiet pool is the serenity of your being.
The vast sea where life began on this planet
is the vast sea of your being whence all life came;
its waves are the ebb and flow of the universe you rule.

At the North:

Goddess of all, the fertility of the earth is a sign of your fertility, whence all life rose. The solidity and permanence are still of it are still less than yours. The earth's fertility feeds our bodies, and your fertility feeds our souls.

Go to the center of your temple, which is now filled with moonlight.

Everything in the circle is touched by it, blessed by it, including you. Sit down and feel this moonlight around you. Know that it is the Goddess. Realize that you are in the center of a sphere of light that is half above and half above and half below where you sit. Begin to breathe slowly and evenly, deep breaths that penetrate your whole body. When this rhythmic breathing becomes natural, imagine that the moonlight by which you are surrounded enters you, fills you entirely.

With each exhalation of your breath, some of the essence of yourself leaves your body, and with each inhalation, the light enters you. You are being filled ever so gently with this beautiful light. This light, which is the presence, the being of the Goddess, is within you as well as without. With each breath, you are less yourself and more the Goddess.

When you are filled with light, filled with the Goddess, the shell of your body fades away. You have no body; there is nothing to separate you from the entire being of the Goddess. Nothing exists but the being of which you are apart. You have ceased to be a separate entity. You are nothing and everything. All that was, that is, and all that will be, you are.

Enjoy this feeling as long as you like. When you feel it is time, picture the outer shell of your physical body reforming, becoming solid again. It is being built out of the Universe of which you are a part.

Now, as you continue your slow deep breathing, see the moonlight flowing out of your body, as gently and slowly as it entered. As it flows out, realize there is a difference. Because you have become one with the Goddess, with the Universe, your being has changed. As the moonlight flows out of your body, it takes with it a part of that which was yourself, now part of the Goddess, and leaves behind a part of the Goddess, forever now part of you. You become yourself again, solid as you were, but changed. You are surrounded by the presence of the Goddess, which now contains a part of yourself .

Move again to the East. As you speak, and after, picture the moonlight in that quadrant flowing back to its source, leaving that quadrant as it was.

Do this at each quadrant, until all the moonlight has returned to the Moon.

At the East:

My Lady, guide my thoughts.
Let them lead always closer to you.

At the South:

Gracious Goddess, guide my actions. Let them always help and never harm others or myself.

At the West:

Lovely One, guide my emotions:
Let them be healing and touched always by you.

At the North:

Sweet Goddess, let my mind always be fertile and strong, that I may grow always toward you.

Return to the East to complete the circle and say:

Queen of Heaven, I thank you for your presence,
both now and always. My love and devotion are yours. Blessed be!

All spirits who have joined me tonight may depart, with my love. Return to your proper places.

Walk again around your circle, but this time counterclockwise, extinguishing the quadrant guards as you go, and at the same time, mentally erasing the white line which surrounded your circle. When the candles are out and the circle gone, rap on your altar and say:

The rite is ended.

Reference: http://www.tryskelion.com/
Picture courtesy of: acbalsmoon.blogspot.com

Cleanse Your Home of Negative Energy with Smudging

"Smudging is burning herbs most commonly Sage to get rid of negative energy on yourself, your home or any space. Smudging can be useful when you are feeling depressed, angry, resentful, unwell or after you have had an argument with someone or if you have felt a negative presence in your home or you feel there are unwanted spirits."

We smudge often in our home!

- At the onset of a cold or flu

- After the cold or flu

- After an Argument

- When negativity is sensed in the least

- To uplift the spirit or purify ones energy

- For protection before we leave for long periods of time

- Before I start a spell or ritual

- Sometimes just because I love the earthy aroma floating throughout our home

{and the list goes on...}

You do not have to be an expert at crafts to make one either...

I have made some out of dried lavender branches/leaves, dried rosemary, and sage as well. 

Simply gather a bundle of the dried herb(s) of your choice, even them out on both ends so they are all the same size, and tie a string around it!

Start by tying the string about an inch from the top (which ever end you wish to be the top),

and then wrap it around the bundle, moving slightly down with each wrap, until you have reached the bottom. Tie it off in a knot and then trim the excess.

Here is a great explanation on 'smudging' that I found~

(source unknown)

~*~*~*~*~* Happy Smudging! ~*~*~*~*~*

~MoonsWay )O(

Herbal Magic - Magical Uses for Basil

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Magical Uses:

Love

Wealth

Protection

Exorcism

Fire Magic

The soothing scent of basil can be used to calm quarrels between lovers. It is a common ingredient in love incenses and the leaves can be rubbed on the skin to make the wearer more noticeable to a prospective lover. Sprinkle basil in your bath or over your heart to ensure that your love will remain faithful.

From Cunningham:

Basil is also used in love divinations. Place two fresh basil leave upon a live coal. If they lie where you put them and burn quickly to ashes, the marriage (or relationship) will be harmonious. If there is a certain amount of crackling, the life of the pair will be disturbed by quarrels. If the leaves fly apart with fierce crackling, the projected relationship is undesirable.
Basil carried in the pocket, the wallet, or the purse will draw wealth. Putting a few leaves in the drawer of a cash register or under the doormat will bring prosperity and customers to a place of business. Add it to money-drawing incenses, too.

Old Proverb:

Where basil grows, no evil goes.
Strew basil under the rug or hide a little sachet of it in each room to keep out any and all negative energy or malevolent spirits. A spritz bottle of basil water will have the same effect. Include it in incenses for purification, or add it to a bath for these same purposes. Give a basil plant as a housewarming gift to bless and bring good luck to a new home.

Practical/Medicinal Uses:

Like many other members of the mint family, basil is a good soother for stomach problems and possesses antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. As a bath additive, it can relieve pain from sore muscles and stiff joints, though it may leave you smelling like pesto for a while! (Note: Do not consume basil in amounts larger than normally used for seasoning if you take insulin or oral medications for diabetes.)

Folk Names: Albahaca, American Dittany, Common Basil, “Our Herb,” St Joseph’s Wort, Sweet Basil, Witches Herb, Njilika, Balanoi, Feslien, Tulasi, Tulsi

 ~ *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ bLeSsEd bE ~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*

~MoonsWay )O(

Autumnal Morning - A witch's poem

Sky so black and ebony,
Morning sips of hot tea.
Oh sweet melody
Please come to me...

The rain falls heavy,
Autumn has begun.
We will sit in our windows
Daydreaming of all we have done.

From digging, to harvesting,
To preserving and baking.
From drying to cooking,
To late night creating.

Stepping out onto the earth,
I feel her beckoning me,
Her connection keeps me grounded,
Focused, and Free.

Barefoot and humble,
Sweet earth beneath my feet.
The wind picks up,
Gleefully welcoming me.

So I dance.
And dance.
The magic's so sweet.
The power within me
Awakens with the beat.

So I will relish this moment
This moment in time.
My heart feels so full,
My aura divine.

Feeling this moment,
Sweet silence in the air
Rain drops kiss my face,
The breeze plays with my hair.

This feeling of Awe,
Peaceful epiphanies do creep,
Tingling with magic,
Up my body
Through my feet.

I feel you
Dear Goddess,
Mother to us all,
Wash me with your Presence,
Please hear my call.

Dear Father of Time,
Awaken from your sleep,
Shower my path with your blessings,
And your blessings,
I will keep.

Blessed Be.

~MoonsWay )O(

3 Natural Remedies for Cold and Flu Season

For Sniffles, Cough and Sore Scratchy Throats, The concoction is simple - It's soothing and it coats:

Mix 1 tbls honey
2 tbls fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
A dash of Cayenne or minced garlic (optional; opens airways)
Heat for a few seconds in microwave. Drink warm but not too hot! Repeat 3-5 times per day. 


To Open Airways:
Boil water, remove from burner.
Add drops of Peppermint or Eucalyptus or Lavender Essential Oil. Lean over steam with towel on your head (at safe distance to not burn your face), eyes closed... and just breathe.

To Break up Congestion:
Make some Peppermint Tea with fresh leaves crushed, Add a tbls of honey and a tbls of Apple Cider Vinegar. Drink hot/warm, 3 times a day.

Caring for my family for these last few days in this way, and wanted to share some of my tricks with you~ 

Blessed Be ~*~*~*~MOONSWAY )O(

How to Create a House Protection Spell Bottle

Have you ever made a Spell Bottle?

Here is one of my favorites, straight from the book "Spell Crafts - Creating Magical Objects", by Scott Cunningham & David Harrington.
____________________________________________________

"Spell bottles are made for a variety of purposes, and are used in numerous ways. Some are hidden, while others are placed in windows of the home or in other prominent spots. All are concentrations of energy, created and empowered for specific magical purposes." ....
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

RECIPE~ House Protection Spell Bottle:

"Since the earliest spell bottles were created for protection, it seems fitting to begin with one made for this purpose. Ideally, such a bottle will be walled up in a new home under construction, or placed under the floorboards. If this is impossible, simply place it in a position of importance somewhere in the home.

{*** I, personally, like to keep mine by the front entrance.  }

Items Needed:
1 glass jar with cork stopper or lid (a small canning jar is fine)
1 bowl
1/2 to 1 cup salt (depending on size of jar)
3 cloves garlic
9 bay leaves
7 Tablespoon dried basil
4 Tablespoon sage
1 Tablespoon anise
1 Tablespoon black pepper
1 Tablespoon fennel

In the morning, ideally on a bright and sunny day, assemble all items. Place the salt into the bowl and say:
Salt that protects, protect my home, and all within it.

Add the cloves of garlic to the bowl and say:
Garlic that protects, protect my home and all within it.

Crumble the bay leaves, place in the bowl, and say:
Bay that protects, protect my home and all within it.

Add the basil and say:
Basil that protects, protect my home and all within it.

Add the sage and say:
Sage that protects, protect my home and all within it.

Add the anise and say:
Anise that protects, protect my home and all within it.

Add the pepper and say:
Pepper that protects, protect my home and all within it.

Add the fennel and say:
Fennel that protects, protect my home and all within it.

Mix together the herbs and the salt with your hands. Through the movement of your hands and fingers, lend energy to the potent protective items. Visualize your home as a shining, safe, guarded, secure place of sanctuary.
Pour the mixture into he jar. Seal tightly and place in your home with the following words:

Salt and herbs, nine times nine,
Guard now this home of mine.

~*~*~ So Mote It Be. ~*~*~

As a Natural Witch, I do not typically follow books and their spells word for word. Usually, I simply allow my intuition to lead my words and flow of energy. It always seems more natural and less rehearsed to me that way. However, this is simple and straight forward, and causes little need for extensive memorization, so I do tend to follow this particular spell pretty much to the T.

We're all on our own path. Follow your heart, listen to your instincts, for best results. You will not be steered wrong.

~MOONSWAY )O(